Get your resumes ready. Not only is the economy in recovery mode, but there are jobs out there with salaries that are actually increasing.

1. Information Technology

PayScale reports that the average salaries for IT workers are increasing 5.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also has some encouraging news for IT hopefuls. Unemployment for this particular group is one of the lowest in the country, coming in at 5.2%, as reported by CNN Money.

Because there is such a wide range of skill sets for IT workers, the education and experience necessary for a job differs vastly. Candidates looking for an entry-level position may only need an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, but if you want to be laying the groundwork for new programs and processes, a Master’s or Doctorate degree is necessary.

2. Legal

Law school graduates have not had it easy in recent years. Good news is on the horizon though. The BLS predicts a 10% job increase for attorneys over the next few years, according to CNN Money. To top that off, in the same article PayScale reports a 5% salary increase for attorneys and paralegals as well.

Given that job hiring is still stagnant, it may not be the best time to quit your current job. Just know that the job outlook for those in the legal field is starting to improve, and in a few years, you may get your opportunity to join their ranks.

BLS reports that the average cook and waiter makes less than $25,000 a year. However, given that the economy is in recovery mode, date nights and celebratory dinners are back — leading to higher average salaries for food service workers. PayScale predicts a 4.8% salary increase over the next year, as stated on CNN Money.

While there is no formal education necessary to be a waiter or waitress, high end restaurants may give preference to candidates with a degree in hospitality or years of experience. Becoming a chef does require candidates to have formal training at an accredited cooking school.

4. Marketing and Advertising

One of the first things to go when companies started cutting costs a few years ago was marketing and advertising budgets. But now, companies are ready to invest in themselves again and therefore marketing and advertising services.

CNN Money reports that PayScale predicts a 4.8% salary increase in this field. Hopeful candidates won’t be able to get by on creativity alone. Employers are looking for employees with degrees in marketing, advertising or related fields like communications, journalism or public relations.

5. Media and Publishing

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Bad news is that if you’re looking to make a career change into the media and publishing industries, job offers will be few and far between. In fact, according to CNN Money, the BLS states that a 6% decline in jobs is likely. However, because of this decline, employers are asking those already in the field to step up their game.

Which brings us to the good news. With greater job responsibility, employees are making better pay, approximately 4.6% more according to PayScale.

What do you make of these salary increases? Was your industry mentioned in the report? Spark a conversation below!

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May 8, 2013

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